Which document established regulations to protect patient privacy in healthcare?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the document that established regulations to protect patient privacy in healthcare. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA set forth comprehensive standards for the protection of health information, including physical and electronic records. It mandates that healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all electronic protected health information (ePHI).

Additionally, HIPAA provides patients with specific rights regarding their health information, such as the right to access their medical records and request corrections. The implementation of stringent administrative, physical, and technical safeguards under HIPAA helps reduce the risk of breaches and misuse of sensitive health data, ensuring that patient information is handled securely.

In contrast, the other options do not primarily focus on patient privacy. The Medicare Act primarily deals with health insurance for the elderly and some individuals with disabilities, the Affordable Care Act centers on expanding healthcare coverage and reforming the healthcare system, and the Patient Protection Act focuses on enhancing healthcare quality without emphasizing privacy protections. Thus, HIPAA stands out as the regulation specifically aimed at safeguarding patient privacy in healthcare settings.